What is the closest US zip code to Vancouver?

November 4, 2008 4:24 PM

What is the closest US zip code (in driving distance) to Vancouver, Canada? I'm looking for a P.O. Box, but haven't driven much to the states. What's close?
posted by nitor to grab bag (9 comments total)

I'd say Point Roberts is your best bet.
posted by Vantech at 4:32 PM on November 4, 2008

Point Roberts - 98281.
posted by doublesix at 4:33 PM on November 4, 2008

98230

Blaine's always been the closest, imho, if you measure driving distance as actual time to get to and from the border. There might be closer towns to the border, but Blaine's the closest US town on the I-5 / King George Highway border crossing.

No idea if the post office in that zip has PO Boxes.
posted by bl1nk at 4:37 PM on November 4, 2008

98230 and 98231 are Blaine WA.
posted by Class Goat at 4:44 PM on November 4, 2008

check out ship happens in Sumas, WA.
posted by tamarack at 4:46 PM on November 4, 2008 [1 favorite has favorites]

By the way, you don't necessarily have to get a PO Box from an official Post Office. My local UPS store offers mailbox services as well.
posted by Class Goat at 4:48 PM on November 4, 2008

The border crossing to Point Roberts is much quicker than any of the others.

If you're planning on making periodic trips, take this into consideration.

Also, depending on the item and company, they may not ship to a P.O. Box. Instead there are other services in Point Roberts (as well as Blaine and other border towns) that will let you have a regular mailing address. If it's just mail / magazines, then a P.O. Box should be fine.
posted by thisisnotbruce at 5:10 PM on November 4, 2008

Living in North Delta I'd second Point Roberts, unless you're in White Rock. It's handy, the drive is (mostly) highway and (relatively) unimpeded and the border crossing easy. I cycle to the ferry a couple times a month and have made a side trip to PR. Never a problem, never a wait. You can't say that for the Peace Arch.
posted by mce at 5:27 PM on November 4, 2008

err that should be "made a couple side trips". 6 I believe. Not statistically significant but more than one lucky outing to be sure.
posted by mce at 5:31 PM on November 4, 2008